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Saturday, 20 April 2013

Author Interview – Gaelen VanDenbergh

Tell us a bit about your family. My immediate family consists of my seven-year-old daughter and my husband. They share my sense of humor, and they understand my neuroses and stick around anyway. That’s love.

What is your favorite quality about yourself? I don’t follow the crowd. I have my own mind, and I use it.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself? I have to work at not slipping into dark places. I can get moody if I’m not careful.

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? “They sicken of the calm who know the storm.” Dorothy Parker. There are so many great Dorothy Parker quotes.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? Other than keeping my daughter alive and well for seven years, writing and publishing my novel.

What is your favorite color? Black.

What is your favorite food? Anything with cheese, garlic and salt.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? Key West, Florida. My home away from home.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing? I have had many experiences throughout my life that have stuck with me, and either a particular element or emotion or person involved has often sparked a story. Some of my experiences have been out there. How can I not write about such insanity?

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? My sister and I were always writing and drawing, I remember that. Creating stories, with illustrations. She’s a brilliant artist. I mostly just tried to copy her artwork. And I just kept writing. I’m constantly writing in my mind.